Nissan Murano

The Murano is one of the better and sportier car-based SUVs we've tested. Its powerful 3.5-liter V6, backed by a continuously variable transmission, delivers strong performance and respectable fuel economy. Handling is responsive and secure with the optional stability control. The adjustable pedals help shorter drivers feel more comfortable behind the wheel. Roomy, comfortable rear seats and easy access are pluses. The interior is stylish and functional. But a stiff ride, limited rear visibility, and the need for premium fuel are notable drawbacks.

Safety Equipment

ABS, side and head protection air bags standard. ESC available, standard from 2009.

Road Test

The Murano scored very well in our tests and is a competitive model in the crowded SUV market. We like its powerful engine, nimble handling, strong brakes, comfortable rear seats and relatively good fuel economy. However, a stiff ride, limited rearwa...

Highs

Lows

Stiff ride, noise, rear visibility, premium fuel.

Specifications

Seating

2 front, 3 rear

Drive Wheels

AWD,Front

Warranty

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification
number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership
can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Alignment

Ball joints

“Had to replace the control arms on both fronts as the ball joint was completely wasted. I have not idea what design flaw would cause both to be replace simultaneously”

Anonymous, TN
(2007 Nissan Murano SL 3.5-L V6)

Bushings

“Replaced lower control arm”

Anonymous, AL
(2007 Nissan Murano SL 3.5-L V6)

“average wear--replaced”

Anonymous, KY
(2007 Nissan Murano SE 3.5-L V6)

“Dealer noted worn bushings, recommended front suspension work, including struts and shocks, etc. I was NOT experiencing any problems or symptoms. No problems since, and no particular improvement. I think it was a "scam" to do some expensive work”

A T., WA
(2007 Nissan Murano SE 3.5-L V6)

Power steering leaks

“Power steering lines leak”

Michael J., GA
(2007 Nissan Murano SL 3.5-L V6)

“mentioned in previous statement”

John B., SK
(2007 Nissan Murano SL 3.5-L V6)

“Had to replace the power steering hose as it was leaking fluid causing steering to be rough and loud”

Anonymous, IL
(2007 Nissan Murano SL 3.5-L V6)

Power steering pumps and hoses

“After power steering flush, two hoses had leaks and were replaced”

Anonymous, GA
(2007 Nissan Murano SL 3.5-L V6)

“PS was making noises and leaking. Replaced at considerable cost due (>$1200) to the difficulty of accessing the pump”

John B., SK
(2007 Nissan Murano SL 3.5-L V6)

“one of the power steering lines leaked and required replacement”

Joel G., IL
(2007 Nissan Murano SL 3.5-L V6)

“Replaced high pressure hose”

Anonymous, AL
(2007 Nissan Murano SL 3.5-L V6)

“same issue”

Anonymous, IL
(2007 Nissan Murano SL 3.5-L V6)

“Power steering hose developed leak and had to be replaced”

Anonymous, CA
(2007 Nissan Murano SL 3.5-L V6)

“Pump went out, but this was due to Goodyear mechanic putting wrong fluid in. This was not a Nissan problem, per se”

Richard E., IA
(2007 Nissan Murano SL 3.5-L V6)

“NEEDED TO REPLACE POWER STEERING INTERNALS AS THE PS WAS SLOWLY FAILING”

R O., NY
(2007 Nissan Murano SL 3.5-L V6)

“Thee was a leak and the fluid would drain. Fixed it $1000”

Anonymous, IN
(2007 Nissan Murano SL 3.5-L V6)

Shocks or struts

“Seem to wear more often than other cars I have owned”

William G., VA
(2007 Nissan Murano SL 3.5-L V6)

“Left ball joint severely loose”

Neil K., WA
(2007 Nissan Murano SL 3.5-L V6)

“Had to replace almost all of suspension parts after 60000 miles”

Anonymous, OH
(2007 Nissan Murano SL 3.5-L V6)

“strut replacement under war”

Jack G., IL
(2007 Nissan Murano SL 3.5-L V6)

“Original shocks replaced”

Diane K., KY
(2007 Nissan Murano S 3.5-L V6)

“The struts leaked, which caused the steering wheel to vibrate”

Harvey B., ON
(2007 Nissan Murano SE 3.5-L V6)

“The covers are cracking”

Marvin S., SK
(2007 Nissan Murano S 3.5-L V6)

“Struts on both fronts had to be replaced. No idea why, but I heard many Nissan Murano drivers are having to do this to their '07's May be a design flaw”

Anonymous, TN
(2007 Nissan Murano SL 3.5-L V6)

Springs or torsion bars

“had to replace rear suspension part, don't recall the name”

Joel G., IL
(2007 Nissan Murano SL 3.5-L V6)

“Brake job turned into an $1150 frontend job”

Anonymous, WI
(2007 Nissan Murano SL 3.5-L V6)

Steering linkage (includes rack and pinion)

“MADE LOTS OF NOISE AND "CLUNKING" DURING TURNS. A NISSAN DEALER IN FL WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE. I WENT TO A KIA DEALER WHO FOUND AND FIXED THE PROBLEM”

R O., NY
(2007 Nissan Murano SL 3.5-L V6)

“Fitting on the rack and pinion cracked. Ultimately developed a severe wobble. Front tires wore out prematurely. Total cost of repair $2000”

Differential

Transfer case

“I have an explicit warranty from Nissan on drivetrain - but they are not honoring tis warranty - transfer case and transmission are all cracked - car not driveable”

S W., IL
(2007 Nissan Murano SL 3.5-L V6)

CV joint

“When i took the car in for the 60K service there was a problem with this joint. In total last year I spent over $4k to fix and repair a bunch of problems”

Anonymous, WA
(2007 Nissan Murano SL 3.5-L V6)

“Boot on CV joint failed and was slinging grease out. Has Nissan dealership replace entire axle (they said it was cheaper to replace than repair. But the after market axle they used (NAPA) caused the transaxle to leak fluid as the axle seal. They then”

Heated or cooled seats

Keyless entry

“Doors stopped responding to key fob lock/unlock bottons. Had to replace sensor units in doors at $400 per door”

Mike L., GA
(2007 Nissan Murano SL 3.5-L V6)

“Door locks would not function. Had to replace mechanisms in both front doors”

Anonymous, GA
(2007 Nissan Murano SL 3.5-L V6)

Wiper motor or washer

“Front window washer reservoir no longer holds any washer fluid due to cracks developing in reservoir tank. Nissan dealer wants $400 to replace it which entails taking wheel off and inner fender liner to get to washer unit. Other Murano owners repor”

What Owners Say:

Seat controls - movement

“Seat assembly bracket broke causing a need to replace the entire base of the seat. It was costly and unexpected on an eight year old vehicle”

Anonymous, FL
(2007 Nissan Murano S 3.5-L V6)

“Driver seat controls went out”

Stanley T., TX
(2007 Nissan Murano SL 3.5-L V6)

“The seat movement gear is PLASTIC, and the frame breaks. Both are a know components that have a history of breaking. It is not fun when the seat breaks when driving and you are dumped against the door/window. Nissan has been ignoring these issue”

What Owners Say:

Transmission leaks

“the problem was more in the differential. It was leaking so i had new seals and at the same time serviced the transmission which need a special lubricant. The car works well , no more leaks”

Anonymous, WA
(2007 Nissan Murano SL 3.5-L V6)

“at approximately 220000km there was a leak from the transfer case (part of the transmission). This leak required installation of a new gasket on the transfer case”

Tarik A., QC
(2007 Nissan Murano)

Transmission sensor or solenoid

“Car would not shift out of Park. Had to remove multiple trim panels and Centre Console to gain access. Tested multiple circuits. Replaced Shift Interlock Control Module and bracket. Total cost Cdn$791.00”

What Owners Say:

Transmission rebuild or replacement

“originally took car to one dealership who said they couldn't find the problem had car for a week and they did nothing. took it to another dealership they had it for 3 days and replaced the transmission at no cost. go figure!”

Anonymous, OH
(2007 Nissan Murano SL 3.5-L V6)

“Both belts failed and replaced”

Paul M., MN
(2007 Nissan Murano SL 3.5-L V6)

“Transmission was acting and sounding strange. Took it to an independent shop they replaced the engine mounts, that did not solve the problem. took it a Nissan dealer, they confirmed the transmission needed replacement, that as done under warranty”

What Owners Say:

A/C compressor

“Belt failed and melted a part. Fixed problem for $750.00”

Anonymous, WI
(2007 Nissan Murano SL 3.5-L V6)

Automatic climate control

“Temperature regulation is hard to figure out. The AC light comes on automatically, even when it's too cool to use AC. The heater doesn't seem to work except at high settings. The fan speed doesn't seem to be related to the need for temp control”

Anonymous, SK
(2007 Nissan Murano SL 3.5-L V6)

Refrigerant leaks

“The radiator cracked at 80,000 miles and had to be replaced. It was a costly repair”

What Owners Say:

Fuel gauge/sender

“Fuel gauge only works for about 10 miles then reads empty. Check engine light on continously because of fuel sending unit failure. Failure happened at approximately 150,000 miles. Estimate to repair $1000”

Patrick W., IA
(2007 Nissan Murano SL 3.5-L V6)

“difficult to fill the tank because the pump automatically shuts off before the tank is full. Could also be the tank vent valve”